(Undated) - Since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, law enforcement agencies across Michigan have reported an alarming rise in speeding and fatal crashes. In 2021, there were 237 speed-related fatalities on Michigan roads, an increase of 18.5 percent over 2020, when 200 people died.
To combat this trend, dozens of law enforcement agencies across Michigan will conduct overtime speed enforcement beginning today (Thursday) thru the end of February next year.
Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said the goal of increased enforcement is to change these risky driving behaviors and save lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, local roads are more dangerous than highways for speeders. In 2020, 87 percent of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways.